Activists Say Myanmar’s Military-Backed Government Fears Releasing Aung San Suu Kyi

“As everyone knows, the military is trying to deceive the international community through false narratives. If Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is alive and in good health, they should allow international leaders and the United Nations special envoy to meet with her. Their refusal to do so suggests that they are facing serious difficulties. They are also deeply concerned that releasing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi could shake the foundations of their entire illegitimate government.” – Nay Tin Myint, a leader of the New York Burmese Community (NYBC), made the remarks in an interview with Myanmar Global Media (MGM).

He discussed the importance of campaigns urging Myanmar’s military-backed government to release State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and provide credible evidence that she is alive. Events marking the 81st birthday of the detained civilian leader were held around the world, including in several U.S. states. In New York City, the NYBC organized a birthday event on June 20.

The government led by former military chief and self-declared president Min Aung Hlaing has not officially disclosed where Aung San Suu Kyi is being detained. The military has held her for more than five years since seizing power in the February 2021 coup. Only recently did military authorities release a photograph that they claimed showed Aung San Suu Kyi.

Many social media users questioned the photograph’s credibility, citing widespread distrust of the Myanmar military.

Her younger son, Kim Aris, also known as Htein Lin, is now leading an international campaign calling on military authorities to provide credible proof that Aung San Suu Kyi is alive.